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Climate change has been recognised as the most complex and
challenging environmental problem facing crop production
among most small holder farms today. Drought, a condition
that has a negative impact on crop productivity is an indicator
of climate change and is recognised as a prolonged, abnormally
dry period when there is inadequate water for users’ daily needs,
resulting in extensive damage to crops and the eventual loss of
yields. Small scale farmers in the Central Highlands of Kenya
are faced with these constraints and have consequently made
efforts at local level to utilise traditional strategies to assist in
adjusting. With this background, the study aims to assess and
document farmers’ knowledge on traditional strategies and
preparedness techniques employed in coping with climate
change and variability. The study will be conducted in Mbeere
South district, Embu County and Meru South district, Tharaka-
Nithi County in the Central Highlands of Kenya. The study will
use a sociological approach and household survey. Data to be
collected include: (i) Household demographic and socio-
economic characteristics, (ii) Impact of climate change and
farmers’ strategies to cope with drought, (iii) Food security,
and (iv) Indigenous drought preparedness approaches. The
information will be used to determine the effectiveness of
integrating traditional practices and modern/ scientific knowledge
systems in adapting to climate change.

The 2012 RUFORUM Biennial Conference is the third in the series. The main objective of the Biennial conferences is to provide a platform for agricultural research for development stakeholders in Africa and beyond to actively exchange findings and experiences, while at the same time learning lessons towards improving performance of the agricultural sector and ultimately people’s livelihoods. The biennial conference is RUFORUM’s most comprehensive meeting for the diversity of stakeholers in agriculture. It is especially dedicated to graduate students and their supervisors, grantees in RUFORUM member universities and alumni. It is a platform for peer review, quality control, mentorship, networking and shared learning. The third Biennial Conference was attended by 657 participants.This record contains an extended abstract accepted under the theme of Integrated Crop Management